Senior Research Officer (Temporary 18 Month Post)

October 2017

JOB DESCRIPTION

Senior Research Officer (Temporary 18 month post)

Assistant Principal Officer

National Disability Authority

The National Disability Authority (NDA) is the independent statutory body that provides expert advice to the Minister for Justice and Equality on policy and practice relating to persons with disabilities. In practice, the NDA delivers on this role through advising officials in the Department of Justice and Equality, and in other Government Departments and key state agencies, as well as direct advice to the Minister.

The National Disability Authority’s statutory functions include:

·  To act as a central national body to assist the Minister in the co-ordination and development of disability policy

·  To undertake, commission or collaborate in research projects and activities and to assist in the development of statistical information for the planning, delivery and monitoring of disability programmes and services

·  To advise the Minister on standards for disability programmes and services, to prepare codes of practice and to monitor the implementation of standards and codes in this regard

·  To monitor the employment of people with disabilities in the public sector, including the 3% target

·  To promote, through the Centre of Excellence in Universal Design, accessibility and the principles of universal design in relation to products, Information Communications Technology, and the built environment.

Further information is available on the NDA’s website at http://www.nda.ie

Job Description

The temporary Senior Research Officer will work, under the direction of the Head of Policy and Research, as part of a team, with a focus on applied research on disability, and in support of the National Disability Authority’s roles of policy advice, standards development and monitoring.

The research programme is based on the NDA’s Strategic Plan. The primary audience for NDA research is policymakers and practitioners. The NDA has established quality criteria for research outputs, including all internal, commissioned and funded research work.

A particular focus of the current research programme is support for the implementation of the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services, and associated projects such as closure of residential institutions following on from the Time to Move on from Congregated Settings report. The person appointed will have a specific role to conduct, commission and manage research and evaluation studies to support the change programme under way in disability services, working in partnership with the HSE and the Working Groups set up under the Value for Money and Policy Review Implementation process.

The position is offered as a specified purpose contract, circa18-months subject to satisfactory completion of probation.

, to deliver the Evaluation project on new and old models of service. contract

Senior Research Officer Duties and Responsibilities

The core duties and responsibilities will include the following:

·  to conduct desk, primary and secondary research to underpin NDA’s policy and advisory role and to ensure such advice is evidence-based

·  to design and undertake quantitative research, statistical analysis, qualitative research, comparative studies and evaluation studies

·  to conduct systematic reviews of literature

·  to commission and manage research and evaluation studies, which includes development of requests for tender, evaluation of proposals, preparation of contracts, management of externally-commissioned work to agreed standards, costs and timelines, and financial tracking of projects

·  to manage and deliver research and evaluation studies to support the implementation of the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services and implementation of the Time to Move On from Congregated Settings report including cost assessments and financial sustainability

·  to produce, collaborate with or oversee production of statistics on disability

·  to prepare policy, position and discussion papers on relevant disability issues and to review literature, reports and submissions

·  to plan for and oversee strategic dissemination of research findings to key target audiences

·  to advise on appropriate research methodologies for internal research projects and externally-commissioned work

·  to ensure adherence to defined quality, standards and policies on all projects undertaken, in particular the quality control of research output

·  to collaborate with colleagues and with partner organisations on research

·  to collaborate with colleagues on cross-functional projects, in particular in ensuring policy advice is informed by research and to contribute where required, to policy advice formation

·  to contribute to the development of an appropriate research programme, based on the NDA’s Strategic Plan and annual work programme, and guided by topics of strategic importance to the development of disability policy and practice in Ireland

·  management of staff reporting directly into the Senior Research Officer

·  to demonstrate leadership in all aspects of the role

·  to demonstrate flexibility and to carry out other duties as may be assigned from time to time including, if required, reassignment to other roles in line with the National Disability Authority’s policy on internal redeployment

The successful implementation of this role requires a number of key relationships to be fostered and developed. These will include relationships with colleagues, with key Government Departments, the HSE and other state agencies, and with disability organisations. A high degree of flexibility and creativity will be required. As a staff member, the holder of the post will be expected to actively contribute to and participate in the overall development of the National Disability Authority and to promote its policies at all times.

The Person

Minimum criteria for consideration for the post are:

·  A relevant post-graduate qualification

·  At least five years experience of applied research and research management in a relevant field.

The essential requirements for the post as Senior Research Officer include:

·  Excellent quantitative and data analysis skills, including regression and factor analysis, with appropriate computer skills. A high degree of statistical competence will be required, a capacity to identify and quantify effects and relationships along with a keen appreciation of hypothesis testing and statistical significance.

·  A sound knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, evaluation methods and quality criteria

·  A sound knowledge of financial evaluation and costing methodologies

·  Experience in the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation studies, including the identification of appropriate performance indicators and development of survey tools

·  A track record in project management and delivery of research in time, including the ability to successfully and effectively manage a number of projects concurrently

·  A sound capacity to review research and synthesise findings, paying attention to methodologies and validity of such findings

·  Strong interpersonal skills and capacity to develop partnerships and manage relationships at all levels and across organisations

·  An understanding and appreciation of the policy environment and of the public service

·  Capacity to respond efficiently to urgent requests for data

·  The capacity to write simply and clearly, and to explain research findings to a non-technical audience

·  Good judgement and a practical problem-solving approach

·  Flexibility, commitment and capacity to work as a member of a team

·  Ability to work on own initiative and as a self-starter

·  Ability to get to grip with new work areas in a short space of time

·  Capacity to lead, develop and motivate staff A clear thinker with an aptitude for precision and attention to detail

·  Good oral communication skills

·  Experience of managing commissioned research, including preparation and assessment of research briefs/tenders/proposals, and management of deliverables from contractors

The following criteria is considered desirable for the post:

·  A knowledge of disability-related policy, research and statistics in the Irish.

In applying for the post applicants are strongly advised to clearly demonstrate how they fulfil these criteria. Failure to do so may result in failure to be shortlisted for interview.

·  Leadership: 1. Actively contributes to the development of the strategies and policies of the Organisation 2. Considers the effectiveness of outcomes in terms wider than own immediate area 3. Identifies and takes opportunities to exploit new and innovative service delivery channels

·  Analysis & Decision Making: 1. Researches issues thoroughly, consulting appropriately to gather all information needed on an issue; 2. Understands complex issues quickly, accurately absorbing and evaluating data (including numerical data); 3. Takes a firm position on issues s/he considers important

·  Management & Delivery of Results: 1. Takes responsibility for challenging tasks and delivers on time and to a high standard; 2. Ensures quality is central to the work of the division; 3. Is open to new ideas initiatives and creative solutions to problems

·  Interpersonal & Communication Skills: 1. Presents information in a confident, logical and convincing manner, verbally and in writing; 2. Develops and maintains a network of contacts to facilitate problem solving or information sharing; 3. Engages effectively with a range of stakeholders, including members of the public, Public Service colleagues and the political system

·  Specialist Knowledge Expertise and Self Development: 1. Has a clear understanding of the roles objectives and targets of self and the team and how they fit into the work of the unit and organisation; 2. Has a breadth and depth of knowledge of issues relevant to the role and is sensitive to wider political and organisational priorities; 3. Is focused on self development, seeking feedback and opportunities for growth to help carry out the specific requirements of the role.

·  Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values: 1. Is self motivated and shows a desire to continuously perform at a high level; 2. Is personally honest and trustworthy and can be relied upon;